Flyers’ Ivan Provorov labeled ‘homophobic’ as he faces backlash for boycotting team’s Delight festivities

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov faced backlash for his determination to boycott the organization’s Satisfaction night time to assist the LGBTQ+ community.

Provorov did not take part in pregame warmups when the staff wore Pride-themed jerseys and made use of sticks wrapped in rainbow Pleasure tape. He cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the explanation why he didn’t participate. He ultimately played in the sport against the Anaheim Ducks.

“I respect most people and I respect everybody’s selections,” he informed reporters just after the game. “My selection is to stay accurate to myself and my faith. Which is all I’m going to say.”

Ivan Provorov, left, of the Flyers during the Anaheim Ducks game at Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 17, 2023, in Philadelphia.

Ivan Provorov, still left, of the Flyers all through the Anaheim Ducks video game at Wells Fargo Heart on Jan. 17, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Illustrations or photos)

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The Russia native, who is in his seventh season with the Flyers, obtained backlash on social media for the boycott.

Flyers mentor John Tortorella described the scenario right after the activity.

“I think the group has sent out a launch with regards to the beliefs that we have,” he reported, by using Philly Hockey Now. “It was definitely a excellent evening. With Provy, he is remaining legitimate to himself and to his faith. This has to do with his beliefs and his religion. That is a single factor I respect about Provy, he is generally legitimate to himself, so that’s where by we’re at with that.”

Tortorella assumed it would be “unfair” to bench him for his beliefs.

Ivan Provorov of the Flyers skates with the puck past Max Jones of the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 17, 2023, in Philadelphia.

Ivan Provorov of the Flyers skates with the puck previous Max Jones of the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 17, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Illustrations or photos)

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“I just imagine it is unfair. I know you are probably likely to communicate to Provy,” he reported. “I’m not going to invest a ton of time on it. I believe it was a wonderful evening, and I’m not going to get way too deep into the dialogue.”

The Flyers didn’t point out Provorov’s beliefs in their assertion.

“The Philadelphia Flyers business is fully commited to inclusivity and is proud to guidance the LGBTQ+ local community,” the workforce claimed. “Many of our gamers are lively in their support of community LGBTQ+ businesses, and we were being very pleased to host out annual Pride Night time once again this year. The Flyers will continue to be potent advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ neighborhood.”

The NHL has appear below fireplace in modern weeks. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis scolded the corporation for alleged discrimination when it promoted a work reasonable that only permitted selected groups of people today to attend.

Ivan Provorov boycotted the Pride night festivities.

Ivan Provorov boycotted the Pleasure evening festivities. (Getty Pictures)

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The league also had to press back again on criticism from social media for internet hosting a transgender and nonbinary hockey match.

The Linked Press contributed to this report.